EVEN as the globe fights climate change, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says alleviating energy poverty must remain a primary priority.
OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo announced this on Tuesday at the virtual 21st Coordination Meeting on Climate Change.
Barkindo stated that it had become evident that the world was not doing enough to meet the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal, implying that all countries should increase their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“However, developing countries, in particular, are struggling more than ever with energy security in the face of the pandemic, in addition to climate change adaptation measures.
“Therefore, it is essential that we leverage this platform to enhance collaboration and cooperation on these issues.
“We need to continue to fight for energy security in a sustainable and just manner, apart from the climate change challenges.
“Eradicating energy poverty must remain at the top of our agenda,” he said.
According to him, OPEC is concerned that fast and rash decisions may result in a disorderly energy transition, in which energy-exporting emerging countries will once again lose out.
He said: “In order for our countries to develop and; for transition to occur, we need to have the opportunity to develop our energy resources in a clean way as possible.
“This requires international cooperation and partnership and the provision of sufficient finance, along with technology research and transfer.
“This will have the additional effect of supporting oil market stability and in turn the world economy, which is still recovering from the pandemic.”
When countries face energy shortages, according to Barkindo, they will cling to whatever energy sources are available, even if it means increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
He stated that, in the end, cheap, clean energy for all was required to meet both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement goal.
It will require the contribution of all forms of energy, with technology supporting their most efficient possible production and use.
“Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. We want to see a just and inclusive transition occur.
“One that builds resilient, equitable and sustainable societies. In order for this to happen, universal access to reliable and affordable modern energy sources and energy stability are requirements.
“Our work over more than five years through the Declaration of Cooperation has this goal in mind,” the OPEC boss said.
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